This week we are featuring Bella Glickman of San Diego. Bella is an incredibly kind and compassionate being. She is wonderfully talented, humble, genuine, funny, and courageous. We are drawn to the way she leads life with love, not fear. She keeps it real. We’ve also seen her take a nasty slam down a hill on her board and pop back up with a smile, so yeah, she’s also tough.
We are proud to have her as an integral part of the Kateboards community. Get to know Bella a bit more by reading our interview with her below…
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I grew up in Downtown San Diego and now live in Poway. (I still don’t do anything out here!) I love skating, film photography, driving around in my truck, playing music, and making playlists for friends.
When did you start skateboarding and how did you get involved?
I started skateboarding when I was about 7. My brother bought me my first G&S pool board (that was far too big for me) and we started skating a janky second-hand plastic ramp we put in our driveway. From there on I couldn’t stop watching Zero Skateboards movies or the old school guys getting groovy in throwback footage.
What is one item (other than a skateboard;) ) that has a lot of meaning to you? Why?
My truck, Jethro. He was the very first vehicle I bought on my own and he was exactly what I wanted! Jethro is a 1991 Toyota 5-speed pickup. He has a bench seat, low mileage, shifts like butter, and his radio brings you back. He gets me everywhere I want to go. I even had a dream (now I realize was a prophecy) five years ago that I had a little white toyota pickup. And here we are!
What draws you to skateboarding?
I love how fast it is. I love that you can change your board and your concrete and you have a completely different feeling. But the high you get when you do something you haven’t done before is irreplaceable.
We hear you are major music lover and quite the musician to boot... Can you tell us more about your connection with music and one of your favorite albums to listen to on vinyl?
Ha! “Music knows it is and always will be one of the things that life just won’t quit.” - Stevie Wonder. Music is what keeps my blood running, I honestly believe I’d be dead without it. One of my favorite albums to listen to on the table is All Things Must Pass by George Harrison.
Who or what is a constant source of inspiration for you?
God!
Where is your favorite place to skate in San Diego?
I love skating the streets downtown, or the funky back alleys of Leucadia.
If you could be born in any other decade when would it be and why?
Late 70’s. You get all the good rock n roll of the 70’s, but the innovation of the early 80’s. Also, getting to go back for the beginnings of my favorite punk bands of all time!
So, you’re also a great photographer… what camera do you love using the most? Is there anything in particular about it that makes it special to you?
My Olympus Pen- EE2 is always on me. I’ve been shooting it since I started shooting film at age thirteen. I love that it’s split frame, so I get double the pictures on a standard roll. It’s a point + shoot from 1961 and every photo turns out flawless. Since it takes two photos per negative it tells a story as your day/week goes on.
What advice would you give girls + women who want to try skateboarding, but are feeling nervous or intimidated to get involved?
You bring your own style to the park or street or wherever you are. You don’t have to do it a certain way, the best way is how you do it! It’s about having fun, growing, and being constantly inspired. Be ready to fall, and get back up every time!
Thanks, Bella!
Check back next week for another featured S.O.T.W